The Everton Fan Advisory Board have published the letter they recently sent to Farhad Moshiri, in which they call on the British-Iranian businessman to honour his “basic commitments as the Owner of Everton Football Club and communicate with supporters”.
The group, an elected body that acts as a go-between between fans and the Everton hierarchy, issued a statement on Monday announcing that they have written to Moshiri, the Premier League and 777 Partners seeking clarity on the immediate issues affecting the Club’s future.
The League have been considering 777’s bid to buy out Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in the Club since September when an agreement was struck between the two parties, with no decision likely until next month now.
In the interim, the Miami-based private equity firm have furnished Everton with more than £180m in loans to cover operating expenses and the latest costs of the construction of the Club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, raising concerns among supporters as to what happens should the Premier League fail to approve the takeover.
“It is now more than six months since Everton supporters have heard from you, and in that time, the club has been in the mire of points deductions, fiscal crises, in dispute with the Premier League (PL), and is heading towards a third consecutive relegation battle,” the FAB letter to Moshiri reads.
“Moreover, lingering questions regarding the sale of the club to 777 Partners have cast a further shadow of uncertainty which is impacting our club.
“We, the Fan Advisory Board have attempted to schedule a meeting with you through your intermediaries, but to no avail, despite being given assurances that you were willing to meet. The time has now come for you to honour your basic commitments as the Owner of Everton Football Club and communicate with supporters.
“There are many important questions to be answered, such as: What happens if the deal with 777 is not approved by the PL? Is the deal with 777 timebound which, given the PL’s decision to seek further financial reassurances, could result in further delays? Are there other investors in waiting?
“And will you continue to fund the Club until such time as a satisfactory investor is found? An interim board, an interim CEO, and an owner in absentia is not good enough for our club which is faced with sporting and financial uncertainty, the ramifications of which will reach far and wide. Your club and its supporters need clarity, vision, and leadership and we urge you to now provide it.”
→ Full FAB Letter to Farhad Moshiri
→ FAB Letter to Premier League
→ FAB Letter to 777 Partners